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Plumbing

Plumbing

Level 2
Cheltenham Gloucester

Course Overview

Full Time
Certificate

Construction trades are booming in the UK, and now is the perfect time to train for a career in plumbing. If you’re looking to enhance your skills and competency, this course helps you develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to progress.

In fully equipped workshops, you’ll cover essential theories and regulations, as well as practical skills in domestic and industrial plumbing systems. You'll gain real-world experience through industry insights and experiences that prepare you for a successful plumbing career.

 

What you’ll learn

Learning in purpose-built plumbing workshops, you’ll gain practical skills using hand and power tools whilst developing the right knowledge and gaining experience to work in plumbing.
You'll study the theory and regulations of the plumbing industry, including plumbing science and health and safety protocols. The curriculum covers essential skills, such as:

  • Hot and cold-water supplies
  • Central heating systems
  • Planning and supervision
  • Second fixing
  • Using portable power tools
  • Health and safety

As a plumber, you may work in one or more of the following areas:

  • Installing and repairing water supplies, heating systems and drainage
  • Installing bathroom and central heating
  • Installing guttering - Soil Pipes

Additionally, you’ll benefit from industry insights and work experience, and enter national competitions, giving you broader exposure and opportunities to showcase your skills.

By the end of this one-year course, you'll be well-prepared to progress in your plumbing career, whether moving to employment or starting an apprenticeship.

 

Highlights

As well as learning in fully equipped, industry-standard workshops, you’ll take part in experiences, trips and workshops with local businesses and other college departments.

For example, previous students have taken part in:

  • Talks from businesses and employers in the industry, such as Gloucester Plumbing and Heating, and County Supplies
  • Learning life skills. For example, this year students are joining a session with the Motor Vehicle department, to learn about what to look for when buying a car, insurance, MOTs and basic car upkeep
  • Social media sessions with a well-known local plumber, to learn about marketing their services
  • Introductions to the industry from the Heating and Vent department
  • Visiting a local brewery to learn about the importance of water in the process, how water is stored and how businesses meet sustainability targets

 

Assessment

This course is assessed through practical assessments and a theory-based exam. Your progress on the course will be monitored and you will receive feedback and support to enable you to reach your full potential. This includes developing your wider skills, including confidence, self-belief and resilience.

 

Anything else?

You’ll be required to wear steel toe capped boots and appropriate clothing for practical sessions.

At Gloucestershire College we want students to develop their English and Maths skills so that they achieve their learning goals and future career aims. For this reason, all full-time students (16-18) who have not achieved grade 4 or above English language or maths GCSE will study these subjects as part of their course.

We also have student development sessions which will support you towards your future career plans. You’ll have time for CPD (Continuous Professional Development), and you will be expected to complete at least one week’s work experience. Our Employability Team can support you to find a placement.

  • Typical Entry Criteria

    • Three GCSE’s including:

      • GCSE Maths at Grade 4 and above
      • GCSE English at Grade 3 and above
      • Any other GCSE subject at Grade 3 and above

    Gloucestershire College welcome any other/combinations of relevant qualifications that are comparable and/or equivalent to the typical course entry requirements.

    For 19+ applicants that do not have recognised qualifications may still meet course entry requirements through alternative methods of assessment at the College’s discretion.

    All queries regarding course entry criteria including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department through applications@gloscol.ac.uk.

  • Upon completion, you may move on to a Level 3 apprenticeship or seek full-time employment in industry.

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Plumbing

What You Will Pay

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Construction is a key industry sector in Gloucestershire and now is the perfect time to train for a qualification in any of the industry areas we offer. Our construction courses are a great way to develop skills and build the foundation for a successful career in domestic and industrial construction.

We are the first UK college to buy a house as a renovation project for our construction and building services students, to further develop their skills and provide them with practical experience of working on-site with other trades, and it’s initiatives like this that ensure our students leave us employment-ready.

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Student Stories

Ben Mason

“The people I’ve met – especially my lecturer – are really easy to talk to. The facilities are wonderful and all in order; it’s very easy to pick out and find what you need. Carpentry is fun and enjoyable, and sets you up for the rest of your life. I feel really prepared for life after college and the skills I’ve learnt are useful in daily life. “To someone thinking of applying to GC I would say that it’s absolutely brilliant and somewhere you can learn lots and achieve a high grade. I’m working on sites at the moment so I get to travel and do renovations and house builds, which I want to continue after college.”

Ben Mason

Level 2 – Carpentry – Gloucester Campus

Harry Taylor

“Prior to starting my apprenticeship, I worked in plumbing and removals, but was ready for a career change. I’ve learnt many new skills in my apprenticeship, including fitting door linings, hanging doors and measuring and fitting kitchens. The college side of my training has been very useful for when I’m working on site and my assessor has been helpful when showing me skills on a one-to-one basis. An apprenticeship was the best route for me and I hope to become a self-employed carpenter once I complete my training”

Harry Taylor

Bench Joinery Apprentice at Pickering and Spencer

Natasha Brown

“The course gave me a great overview of the construction industry, which is exactly what I needed to progress in my career. I wanted a change and this equipped me with the knowledge and skills I required in order to do that. I now work as in Administration Manager in family run Construction business and I really enjoy it. “The lecturers were very supportive and the knowledge they have is immeasurable. They have lots of experience in the industry. I very much enjoyed the variety in modules too, it allowed us to be creative and practically use what we had learnt. “I made some great friends here, it was a very inclusive atmosphere. “I would do it all again, it was such a brilliant experience. I would advise anyone thinking of applying to GC to not be afraid and make the jump!”

Natasha Brown

HNC – Construction – Gloucester Campus

Facilities

Discover Construction Facilities Construction Workshops

Construction Facilities and Workshops

Our construction workshops are kitted out for the various building components our students will experience in the industry.

Discover Construction Facilities

Proud To Be Working With

oaktree-logo
speller metcalfe logo
TNS electrical logo
4 pillars construction
overbury enterprises logo
Roberts Limbrick Logo
plumbase logo
shackleton & wintle ltd logo
amey logo
cavendish park logo
glevum heating logo
LPC Painting logo
MDJ electrical logo
E G Carter & Co Ltd logo
MBC Timber Frame logo
DKM Sheet Metal
Pure plumbing and heating logo
Mike Etheridge construction
Decorative holmes

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Next Steps

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